Ep 2. The Line King: Al Hirschfield

The American Masters Season 13 Episode 2 titled "The Line King: Al Hirschfield" is a documentary about the legendary American caricaturist Al Hirschfield. The episode takes a closer look at his life and his distinctive style of drawing.

The episode begins with Hirschfield's childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an interest in art at an early age. His talent was evident, and he soon began selling cartoons to local newspapers. He later moved to New York, where he worked for the Art Students League and eventually landed a job at the New York Times.

The episode explores Hirschfield's unique style of drawing, which he called "the line." His cartoons were characterized by flowing, sinuous lines that captured the essence of his subjects. He became known for his ability to capture the personalities of celebrities, politicians, and other public figures with a few simple strokes of his pen.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Hirschfield's creative process. We see him at work in his studio, sketching his subjects and then refining his drawings until they were just right. We also get to hear from some of the people who knew him best, including his wife, daughter, and friends in the art world.

One of the highlights of the episode is a segment on Hirschfield's famous "Nina" drawings. Every so often, he would hide the name "Nina" (after his daughter) somewhere in his drawings. Viewers are invited to play along and try to spot the hidden name in several of his iconic cartoons.

The episode also touches on Hirschfield's personal life, including his marriages and his relationships with other artists and writers. We learn about his friendships with people like William Saroyan, S.J. Perelman, and Groucho Marx, who all cherished his unique talent.

Overall, "The Line King: Al Hirschfield" is a fascinating look at one of the most important cartoonists of the 20th century. Through interviews, archival footage, and a deep dive into his art, viewers will gain a new appreciation for Hirschfield's talent, as well as a better understanding of his place in the history of American art.